10+ Best Girly Books for 14-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Hey there! Are you on the hunt for the perfect girly books for 14-year-olds? Whether you're looking to buy a gift or just want to encourage a young teen's love for reading, finding the right book can be a game changer. From heartwarming tales of friendship and adventure to stories that inspire and empower, we've rounded up a variety of picks that are sure to capture their hearts and imaginations. Keep reading to discover our favorite girly books for 14-year-olds that are making waves this year!

Fun Girly Books for 14-Year-Olds

• The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Comedy, Romance
  • Synopsis: A humorous account of Mia Thermopolis, a teenager who discovers she is the princess of a small European principality. Mia must learn to balance her ordinary school life with the responsibilities of royal fame.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a light-hearted and relatable read that deals with typical teenage issues through the unique twist of royal life. Great for understanding personal growth and self-acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Teens who love a mix of comedy, romance, and the fantasy of royalty.

• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: This retelling of the Cinderella tale features Ella, cursed with obedience but determined to take control of her own destiny. A rich narrative combines elements of magic, adventure, and romance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes themes of self-reliance and courage and is filled with empowering messages that are perfect for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fairy tales who appreciate strong, resourceful heroines.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: The story of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is adopted by siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert and grows up in the small town of Avonlea.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's adventures and misadventures teach valuable lessons about friendship, love, and finding one's place in the world.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about growth and personal development, set in a charming rural setting.

• To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance
  • Synopsis: Lara Jean Covey's secret love letters to her past crushes are mysteriously mailed out, throwing her love life into chaos. She navigates the complexities of teenage relationships and family dynamics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a sweet and engaging story that captures the essence of young love and the importance of family.
  • Perfect for: Anyone who enjoys heartfelt romance and stories about the trials and tribulations of high school life.

• Divergent by Veronica Roth
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a future world where society is divided into factions based on human virtues, Tris Prior must choose her path and face the consequences of her decisions as she discovers she doesn't fit into any one group.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling read with lots of action and a strong female protagonist who challenges societal norms.
  • Perfect for: Teens who are fans of science fiction and stories about courage, identity, and belonging.

Educational Girly Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: Follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow from children into adults, guided by their mother Marmee, while their father is away during the Civil War.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, family dynamics, historical context, personal growth
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless narrative that explores the complexities of growing up and the strength of family bonds.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings and stories about sisterhood and personal resilience.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Best friends Sophie and Agatha find themselves on opposite sides of a battle when they are whisked away to an enchanted school where young heroes and villains are trained to protect the balance of good and evil.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of moral complexities, creative problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fresh twist on fairy tale conventions and delves into what it means to be a hero or a villain.
  • Perfect for: Fans of magical adventures and stories that explore the nature of friendship and morality.

• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: Starr Carter navigates two worlds: her poor neighborhood and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. Her life is shattered when she witnesses the police shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Awareness of social justice issues, empathy, community engagement
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful and poignant exploration of race and identity in America today, encouraging readers to speak out against injustice.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in understanding and discussing real-world issues and activism.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Fiction, Realistic
  • Synopsis: Auggie Pullman, who was born with facial differences, attends a mainstream school for the first time and strives to show his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, resilience, acceptance of differences
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches kindness and the importance of looking beyond the surface to discover everyone's true self.
  • Perfect for: Readers who value stories about overcoming challenges and the importance of acceptance.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda Wormwood, a young girl with extraordinary intelligence, uses her powers to overcome neglectful parents and a tyrannical school principal.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful and inspiring story that celebrates the power of books and intelligence to overcome adversity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories of triumph and have a mischievous sense of humor.

Challenging Girly Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Romance, Bildungsroman
  • Synopsis: The story follows the experiences of its orphaned protagonist Jane from her abusive childhood to her role as a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she falls in love with the mysterious Mr. Rochester.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's complex language, depth of emotion, and exploration of social criticism present a rich but demanding narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound journey of resilience and integrity, offering insights into Victorian society and the struggles of a strong female lead.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy psychological depth and themes of social justice.

• Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Tragedy, Romance
  • Synopsis: This novel centers on the all-consuming, passionate, yet thwarted love between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, and how their unresolved issues haunt the next generation.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its intricate narrative structure and dark psychological themes make it a complex read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping exploration of desire, revenge, and the destructive power of love.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate intense emotions and intricate storytelling.

• Emma by Jane Austen
  • Genre(s): Romance, Comedy of Manners
  • Synopsis: Emma Woodhouse, a young woman of high social standing, prides herself on her matchmaking skills. As she meddles in the romantic lives of her friends, she remains oblivious to the dangers of interfering in others' affairs.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's rich language and intricate social etiquette pose a challenge, along with its satirical tone.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a witty critique of class and social dynamics, offering humor and a detailed character study.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love smart, character-driven stories with a dash of romance.

• The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
  • Genre(s): Semi-autobiographical, Psychological Fiction
  • Synopsis: Esther Greenwood, a young woman from the suburbs of Boston, gains a summer internship at a prominent magazine in New York City, but her hopes for her dream life start to crumble as she descends into mental illness.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with heavy themes of mental health, identity, and societal expectations in a deeply personal narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides profound insights into the struggles of mental health and the pressures on young women.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in psychological realism and the exploration of complex emotional experiences.

• Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Mystery, Romance
  • Synopsis: A young woman marries a wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter, and moves to his large country estate, only to find that the memory of his first wife, Rebecca, still dominates the home.
  • Why this book is challenging: The suspenseful plot and complex themes of memory, identity, and power dynamics offer a multifaceted reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating mystery with a haunting atmosphere and a deep psychological edge.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thrilling narratives with strong, mysterious atmospheres.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the delightful world of girly books and want to make the most of your reading experience, here are some great exercises to help you develop good reading habits. These are perfect for 14-year-olds who want to enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the books they read.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and make reading a regular part of your life.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special place at home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Enhances your reading experience by making it comfortable and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s well-lit and cozy, and maybe add a few personal touches like cushions or posters.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books you read with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves your understanding and retention of the book, and it's fun!
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club or use social media to discuss books with friends.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the book out loud, either to yourself or to someone else.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Choose a comfortable and private spot if you're shy about reading aloud.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from the books you read.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day after your reading session.

• Visualize While Reading
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes as you read, picturing the characters, settings, and events in your mind.
  • How it helps: Enhances your imaginative skills and makes reading more engaging.
  • Tips: Pause after a few pages to reflect on and solidify your mental images.

• Challenge Yourself With Diverse Genres
  • What it is: Occasionally choose books outside your usual preferences.
  • How it helps: Broadens your perspective and introduces you to new ideas and styles.
  • Tips: Start with genres that are somewhat similar to what you usually enjoy, then branch out further.

These exercises are designed to be fun and beneficial, helping you to not only enjoy your reading but also to grow from it. So grab your next girly book, try out these tips, and let the pages transport you to exciting new worlds. Happy reading!